DHS Sets $11.6 Mln. for Highway Watch Program

The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday it has issued an $11.6 million grant to the Highway Watch program it sponsors jointly with American Trucking Associations.

DHS said the Highway Watch grant will be used to recruit and train “truckers and other highway professionals to identify and report security and safety situations on our nation’s roads.”

It was part of a larger package of funding DHS’ Infrastructure Protection Program, which will get $445 million in security grants for the 2007 fiscal year.

“These grants will help to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure from threats and hazards that could cause major loss of life, economic impact, and disruption of services,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson.